Cattle producers in Iowa and around the nation are using monoslope barns as a way to house their cattle. Farmers say these facilities help them better manage and utilize the manure produced inside the facilities while allowing them to improve cattle comfort and reduce the potential for animal illness.

But because monoslope barns are relatively new, little research has been published regarding factors such as environmental quality, building management and animal performance.

A nearly four-year study comparing the air quality in bedded monoslope beef barns was recently completed, and its findings were reported at the cattle facilities conference held recently in Sioux Falls, S.D.

It found that gas concentrations in monoslope facilities vary with temperature and don’t exceed the limits of being classified as a health risk to workers who chore and work inside of the facilities.

A group of research and extension specialists from South Dakota State University, the U.S. Meat Animal...